Portable computer protection device with integral angle support

ABSTRACT

A portable computer protection device comprising a reinforced body member including a receptacle to securely transport and store a portable computer, and also includes an integrated adjustable support member configured to elevate and angle the portable computer in an operable position when the body member is opened.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/082,778 filed Apr. 14, 2008, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/700,316 filed Oct. 31, 2003, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,359,184 B2, entitled Notebook Computer Protection Device which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/422,587 entitled The Guardian filed Oct. 31, 2002, the teachings of which are included herein by reference. This application also claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/276,468 filed Sep. 11, 2009 entitled Expandable Laptop Support.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to the field of portable computers and computer accessories therefore, and more particularly to notebook and tablet computer protection devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the heightened security levels both in the United States and abroad, travelers with notebook/laptop and tablet personal computers, collectively referred to as portable computers, are subject to even more intense screening of their portable computers through security at airports, as well as other transportation terminals. Currently, portable computer owners are required to remove their computer from its carrying case, and the computers are required to be placed separately on a conveyor belt, or, in a tray as it is advanced through the screening process.

With the increased features and miniaturization and portability of portable computers, including tablet style portable computers, user's are increasingly desiring to operate their computers in many environments including on airplanes, coffee shops, in front of the TV, just to name a few. The increased portability of the computers continues to present the need for both safe transporting of the computer, and operation of the computer in various embodiments. Users are often limited on their ability to remove their computers from travel protection cases due to space constraints and available time to operate and access the computers.

There is desired a portable computer accessory suitable to facilitate the combined safe transportation and operability of the portable computer given space/accessibility and time constraints, which protects the computer but also provides the quick accessibility and operability of the portable computer. The accessory should enhance a user's experience and provide enhanced convenience.

These portable computers, while be designed to be rugged and portable, are subject to intense handling and jostling during the examination and x-ray process. Moreover, the ultimate drop off of the portable computer down the stainless steel ramp at end of examination leads to damage and scratches of an expensive piece of equipment.

There is desired a portable computer accessory suitable to facilitate handling and examination of a computer outside of a computer carrying case, yet which accessory provides physical access and visual inspection of a computer as it is advanced through a security checkpoint. Such a device needs to facilitate easy access to the computer, such as for use or for further inspection when required, yet which securely protects the computer when subject to an examination process, and may even which may be suitable for carrying in a normal computer bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention achieves technical advantages as a portable computer protection device comprising a reinforced body member including a receptacle to securely transport and store a portable computer, and also includes an integrated adjustable support member configured to elevate and angle the portable computer in an operable position when the body member is opened.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable support member is configured to angle the portable computer above a bottom member of the protection device when the top member is retracted to open the protection device. The adjustable support member is integrated to the protection device, and may be selectively removed from the protection device and placed on a horizontal support surface and selectively angle the portable computer thereon. The combination protection device and support device provides the user the convenience of accessing and using the portable computer in a variety of settings, including confined settings in an airplane or vehicle without having to remove the portable computer from the protection device. The body member is adapted to conform to the shape of the portable computer, to secure the notebook computer therewithin when stored in a carrying case during travel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention securely receiving a notebook computer therewithin;

FIGS. 2-7 are various views of the notebook computer protection device without the notebook computer;

FIG. 8-13 are various views of the notebook computer protection device securely receiving the notebook computer;

FIG. 14 shows a saddle bag secured about the notebook computer and protection device;

FIG. 15 shows one side of the saddle bag being removed;

FIG. 16 shows both sides of the saddle bag removed, fully exposing the notebook computer secured within the protection device;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of another preferred embodiment configured as a reinforced body member configured to secure and transport a portable computer;

FIGS. 18-22 depict various views of the body member shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of the body member in the open position, with an integrated support member configured to elevate and angle the portable computer while remaining in the body member;

FIGS. 24-28 depict the body member with elevated support member of FIG. 23 from various views;

FIG. 29 depicts the support member selectively removed from the bottom member of the body member and configured to rest upon a horizontal surface and elevate the portable computer above the horizontal support surface; and

FIGS. 30-34 depict the support member shown in FIG. 29 from various views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is generally shown at 10 a portable computer protection device 10 seen to securely receive therein a portable computer 12. Body member 10 is reinforced and preferably comprised of a semi-rigid material, such as an elastomer or plastic, but may also be formed of a rigid material if desired. Body member 10 is seen to have a plurality of openings 14 permitting both physical and visual access to lateral portions 16 the portable computer 12 when securely received therewithin. Openings 14 in the preferred embodiment are formed by a plurality of corresponding concave edges 18 extending between opposing body extensions 20. The concave edges 18 are further seen to be tapered downwardly and outwardly from a central portion of the body member 10 to reduce the weight of the body member 10, and also to provide an ecstatically pleasant appearance.

The opposing extensions 20 are also seen to be narrowed proximate their distal ends 22. Securely coupled to and between the opposing distal ends 22 of each extension 20 are seen to be an integral resilient receptacles 24 adapted to securely receive and grip the respective corner of the portable computer 12, as shown. These receptacles 24 are preferably comprised of an elastomeric material, but also could be formed of, or have received therewithin, a resilient material such as a foam-like material.

Disposed across one opening of body member 12 is seen to be a pivotable retractable handle 30 which bows outwardly, and has a midsection gripping surface 32. Handle 30 is adapted to pivot about a pivot pin 34 extending vertically between the two respective opposing extensions 22, as shown. At the other end of handle 30 is a locking mechanism 34 adapted to selectively and securely lock the handle 30 in a closed position to the proximate extensions 22, as shown. Device 10 further may include a security device, such as a security alarm, responsive to the removal of the portable computer from device 10. One configuration of the security device 40 may include a proximity sensor that may be armed/disarmed by an IR programming device, by the entering of a passcode, or other suitable activation device as desired.

FIGS. 2-7 show various views of the portable computer protection device 10 shown in FIG. 1, without the portable computer 12 received therein. As shown, the device 10 is suited to stand vertically on its own as shown in FIG. 2, and has elastic handle 30 extending thereacross to form a carrying handle.

FIG. 8-13 show various views of the portable computer protection device 10 with the portable computer 12 received therewithin. As shown in FIG. 8, device 10 receiving portable computer 12 also is adapted to stand freely in an vertical orientation due to the bottom flat surfaces of the respective extensions 20.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown a second embodiment of the present invention seen to include a saddle bag 50 securely receiving the protection device 10 and portable computer 12 therewithin.

As shown in FIG. 15, the saddle bag 50 is seen to have two halves 52 and 54, each having an inner surface 56 having recesses which conform to the outer surface of device 10, as shown. Each of saddle bag halves 52 and 54 are adapted to secure to the respective corners of device 10 through a locking arrangement 58, such as a tongue and groove locking mechanism, snaps, Velcro mechanism, or other suitable locking mechanism. In yet another alternative preferred embodiment these respective halves 52 may be adapted to secure to each other, about device 10 and computer 12, without the attachment to device 10.

FIG. 16 shows the saddle bag 50 fully removed from device 10 and portable computer 12 providing complete access to device 10 and portable computer 12, as shown.

Referring now to FIG. 17 there is depicted another preferred embodiment of the invention shown as a portable computer protection device 60, shown in the closed position. Protection device 60 comprises a reinforced bottom member 62 and a pivotably retractable reinforced top member 64 together configured as a clamshell protection device. Advantageously, protection device 60 is configured to securely contain and transport portable computer 12 in a receptacle/cavity 66 therein, such as a tablet or notebook/tablet portable computer, and also includes an integrated support member configured to elevate the portable computer 12 in an ergonomic operable position, as will be described in more detail shortly. Protection device 60 has a handle 68 configured to facilitate carrying the protection device 60.

FIGS. 18-22 depict various views of the closed protection device 60. FIG. 22 depicts a lower surface of the protection device bottom member 62, and depicts removable fasteners 70 coupled to extensions extending from an adjustable support member as will be described shortly.

FIG. 23 depicts the protection device 60 in the open position with the top member 64 retracted upwardly from the bottom member 62 and providing access to portable computer receptacle 66, as shown. Each of the bottom member 62 and the top member 64 have side walls, the bottom member 62 and top member 64 being shaped such that they securely receive the portable computer 12 to prevent movement and shifting in the receptacle 66 when closed in the carrying configuration. The inside surfaces of the bottom member 62 and top member 64 may be padded to provide scratch protection of the portable computer 12.

Further shown in FIG. 23 is a selectively positionable portable computer support member 72 integrated with the protection device 60. The integrated support member 72 is configured to be selectively elevated and angle an upper support surface 74 that is configured to support the portable computer 12 thereon in a usable and ergonomic position. Support member 72 can be secured in a plurality of positions, at different angles, determined by the user during use of the supported portable computer 12. The support member 72 is configured to be propped at the selected angle by a rear support 76, which support 76 is pivotably coupled to the back surface of support member 72 and securable into a plurality of spaced recesses defined in an upper surface of a base member 78 of support member 72. The support surface 74 has a plurality of holes 80 configured to allow air flow from the ambient to the bottom surface of the portable computer and facilitate cooling. The support surface 74 also has a large recess 82 extending inwardly from a top edge thereof, exposing a large portion of the portable computer 12 back surface to the ambient for cooling.

The support member 72 is pivotably coupled to the base member 78 at a forward edge of each member. Base member 78 is selectively securable to the bottom member 62 of protection device 60, such as by a snap fit, or as shown, by a plurality of downwardly extending extensions 84 extending through respective holes in the bottom member 82 and configured to receive fasteners 70, as shown in FIG. 26. Fasteners 70 may have a non-slip surface, such as rubber pads, to prevent the protection device 60 from slipping on a horizontal surface.

The protection device 60 is further seen to include a pair of pivotable laterally extendable trays 88 extendable from opposite sides of the bottom member 62, as shown. Each tray 88 is configured to provide workroom, and has an upper surface 90 configured to provide support for a mouse or other device as desired. Each tray 88 has a distal handle/tab 92 configured to grasp and extend the tray 88 from the stored position in bottom member 62.

In the shown embodiment, the support member 72 is selectively positioned in the receptacle 66. However, the support member could also be integrated to the outside surface of the protection device 60, such as to the lower member 62 or the top member 64 and which configuration is within the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 29, there is shown the support member 72 removed from the bottom member 62 of protection case 60 and resting upon a horizontal support surface. This ability to detach and remove the support member 72 allows a user to freely operate the angled portable computer 12 above the horizontal support surface, clear of the bottom member 62 and top member 64 if desired. The support member 72 is operable as a stand alone device when selectively detached. Various views of the support member 72 are shown in FIGS. 30-34. FIG. 34 shows that the bottom edge of support member 72 may have an extension 94 extending outwardly and configured to support a lower edge of the supported portable computer 12 and prevent downward shifting in use. As shown in the various figures, the extension 94 is configured to extend forwardly through a front slot 96 defined in the forward surface of bottom member 62, which helps secure the support member 72 to the protection device 60.

Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present application. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications. 

1. An apparatus for protecting a portable computer having a top major surface and a lower major surface, comprising: a reinforced body member having a receptacle configured to secure the portable computer therewithin, the body member configured to protect both the portable computer top major surface and the bottom major surface; and an adjustable portable computer support member integrated with the reinforced body member receptacle and configured to selectively angle the portable computer supported thereon.
 2. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the reinforced body member has a bottom member, and a retractable top member configured to be proximate and protect the portable computer top major surface.
 3. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the support member is disposed in the reinforced body member.
 4. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the support member is selectively securable to the reinforced body member inside the receptacle.
 5. The apparatus as specified in claim 2 wherein the support member is selectively securable to the body member bottom member.
 6. The apparatus as specified in claim 2 wherein the body member top member and bottom member form a clamshell said body member.
 7. The apparatus as specified in claim 2 wherein the adjustable portable computer support member is configured to be selectively angled with respect to the body member bottom member.
 8. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the receptacle has a shape configured to conform to the portable computer and securely receive the portable computer therein.
 9. The apparatus as specified in claim 2 wherein the top member is shaped and configured to conform to the portable computer top major surface, and the bottom member is shaped and configured to conform to the portable computer bottom major surface.
 10. The apparatus as specified in claim 4 wherein the support member is configured to be removed from the reinforced body member and positioned on a horizontal surface and selectively elevate the portable computer upon the horizontal surface.
 11. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the reinforced body member includes a handle.
 12. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the reinforced body member includes at least one laterally extendable support member having a support surface.
 13. The apparatus as specified in claim 12 wherein the at least one laterally extendable support member is configured to selectively pivot from the reinforced body member.
 14. The apparatus as specified in claim 12 comprising two laterally extendable support members each having a support surface, wherein the support members are disposed on different sides of the reinforced body member.
 15. The apparatus as specified in claim 12 comprising two laterally extendable said support members each configured to extend away from each other on opposite sides of the reinforced body member.
 16. The apparatus as specified in claim 5 wherein the support member is selectively securable to the body member inside the receptacle by at least one removable fastener.
 17. The apparatus as specified in claim 5 wherein the support member has at least one extension configured to extend through the bottom member.
 18. The apparatus as specified in claim 17 further comprising a fastener configured to secure to the at least one extension to selectively secure the support member to the reinforced body member.
 19. The apparatus as specified in claim 17 wherein the extension is configured to operate as a foot for the support member.
 20. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the adjustable support member includes a retractable member configured to secure the support member in an angled position. 